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Bilingual parenting - the true story of a mother and teacher

Publication at Faculty of Medicine in Pilsen |
2012

Abstract

As we all know, we are living in a global world, where political and social relations, economy and many other aspects of everyday life have become more and more international. That is why being multilingual can always be considered an asset.

It helps in international communication, business activities and relationships, and provides better job opportunities. In this paper I want to discuss the advantages and difficulties of bilingual education in the family, based on the case study of my two children, aged 9 and 11.

Being bilingual does not only mean being able to communicate fluently in two languages and therefore to be a more successful candidate on the job market. A child that is being brought up with two languages will develop a better sense of appreciating different cultures and will be capable of understanding societies in a more complex way.

Many critics of bilingual education in schools argue, that this kind of education is too hard on the taxpayers pocket. However, bilingual upbringing in the family does not cost the taxpayer a penny, and brings a lot of positive aspects for family life and society at large.